Digital dental x-ray sensor device having a rounded housing

ABSTRACT

A digital dental x-ray sensor device includes a rounded, three-dimensional housing that lacks corners, edges, or other relatively sharp features that are known to cause discomfort when used in a patient&#39;s mouth. The rounded housing can be spherical, ellipsoid, or any similar regular or irregular rounded shape, and can be formed by ensuring that all curves of the surface of the rounded housing have a minimum radius that is sufficient to prevent features that can dig into the soft tissue of the inside of a patient&#39;s mouth.

CROSS REFERENCE

This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 17/225,858,filed Apr. 8, 2021, which is a continuation in part of application Ser.No. 16/715,826, filed Dec. 16, 2019, which is a continuation in part ofapplication Ser. No. 16/162,080, filed Oct. 16, 2018, now U.S. Pat. No.10,506,992, the entireties of each of which are hereby incorporated byreference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to dental x-ray sensors, and,more particularly, relates to a dental x-ray sensor device that fitscomfortably in a person's mouth, and which allows broader angles of viewto be taken by an x-ray compared to conventional x-ray sensors.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Dentists have been using x-ray photography to examine teeth and dentalwork for decades. In the past a slide of film was placed in a protectiverectangular sheath and put into a patient's mouth. These sheaths haduncomfortable edges and corners that contributed to the generalunpleasantness associated with a visit to a dentist's office. Typicallythe corners and edges would dig into the patient's soft palate in theroof of their mouth, as well as in the lower jaw around the tongue. Forsome patients, particularly children, the shape of x-ray film sheathsmade it very difficult to obtain good images.

More recently, the film x-ray has been replaced by digital x-raysensors. Digital x-ray sensors use conventional image sensor technology,such a complementary metallic oxide semiconductor (CMOS) image sensors,in combination with a scintillator that produces visible light in thepresence of x-rays, to produce a digital image. However, these digitalx-ray sensors have retained the conventional rectangular form factor,and most of the uncomfortableness associated with that form factor.

The rectangular cuboid/prism shape of conventional digital x-ray sensorscan cause mild to extreme discomfort in some patients. Among the issuesexperienced by dental patients, people report that the x-ray sensorproduces a “cutting” sensation on the inside of their mouth, the feelingof being “smothered,” as well as inducing a gag reflex which can lead tovomiting. Different people have different sized mouths, so a largesensor for adults can still be difficult to accommodate by some adultswith smaller mouths.

Therefore, a need exists to overcome the problems with the prior art asdiscussed above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides a digital dental x-ray sensor device thatovercomes the hereinafore-mentioned disadvantages of theheretofore-known devices and methods of this general type and that canbe used comfortably by patients without the irritation anduncomfortableness associated with prior art dental x-ray sensors.

Embodiments of the inventive disclosure provide a dental x-ray sensordevice that includes a rounded housing configured fit in a patient'smouth that is configured to contain a digital x-ray sensor having afront, the rounded housing having an external surface lacking edges orcorners. The rounded housing can include a flat face that is circular orelliptical that corresponds to a plane of a digital x-ray sensorconfigured to be mounted in the rounded housing. The dental x-ray sensordevice can further include a handle attachment feature formed on anoutside surface of the rounded housing that is that is positioned to bein front of the digital x-ray sensor, and which allows attachment of ahandle at a plurality of positions along the handle attachment feature.

In accordance with another feature, the rounded housing comprises afirst and a second portion that are configured to separably coupletogether and which provide a sensor bed configured to receive arectangular digital x-ray sensor.

In accordance with another feature, the rounded housing issemi-spherically shaped.

In accordance with another feature, the rounded housing is configured tocontain a circular digital x-ray sensor that conforms to an internalcross section of the rounded housing, and wherein the dental x-raysensor device further comprises the circular digital x-ray sensor.

In accordance with another feature, the handle attachment featurecomprises a groove that is configured to receive a base of a couplingmember having detent features, and wherein the groove has a plurality ofcorresponding detent features at positions along the groove.

In accordance with another feature, the rounded housing has an externalsurface having a minimum radius of five millimeters.

In accordance with another feature, the rounded housing comprises anindicia that indicates an orientation of the digital x-ray sensor insidethe rounded housing.

In accordance with some aspects of the inventive disclosure, someembodiments can provide a digital dental x-ray sensor device including arounded housing having an external surface that lacks edges and cornersand that is configured to fit with a person's mouth with the person'smouth substantially closed. The rounded housing comprises a flat facethat is circular or elliptical that corresponds to a plane of a digitalx-ray sensor configured to be mounted in the rounded housing. The devicecan further include a digital x-ray sensor disposed within the roundedhousing that conforms to an internal cross section of the roundedhousing. The device can also include an attachment feature on anexterior of the rounded housing that is configured to receive a couplingmember in a channel of the attachment feature.

In accordance with another feature, the rounded housing is asemi-spherical housing.

In accordance with another feature, the semi-spherical housing includesa shoulder.

In accordance with another feature, the rounded housing is an ellipsoid.

In accordance with another feature, the rounded housing comprises atleast one flat spot.

In accordance with another feature, the digital x-ray sensor has acircular shape.

In accordance with another feature, the attachment feature is positionedon the rounded housing in front of the digital x-ray sensor.

In accordance with another feature, the attachment features comprises aplurality of detent features, each one of the plurality of detentfeatures corresponding to a respective position along the channel andconfigured to mate with a corresponding detent feature on the couplingmember.

In still some other embodiments of the inventive disclosure, there isprovided a digital dental x-ray sensor system that includes a digitaldental x-ray sensor device having a rounded housing, a digital x-raysensor disposed within the rounded housing, and an attachment featureformed on an exterior of the rounded housing. The rounded housingcomprises a flat face that is circular or elliptical that corresponds toa plane of a digital x-ray sensor configured to be mounted in therounded housing. The system can further include a coupling member havinga portion configured to fit within a channel of the attachment featureand be moveably retained in the channel, and having a head portionconnected to the portion configured to fit within the channel. Thesystem can further include a handle member having a first end configuredto attach to the head of the coupling member, and having a second endopposite the first end. The system can further include a coupling ringconfigured to be retained on an emitter portion of an x-ray source, andhaving an extension that extends from a track formed on the couplingring that is configured to attach to the second end of the handlemember.

In accordance with another feature, the rounded housing issemi-spherical.

In accordance with another feature, the digital x-ray sensor iscircular.

In accordance with another feature, the channel of the attachmentfeature comprises a plurality of detent features, where each one of thedetent features is corresponds to a respective one of a plurality ofpositions along the channel, and the portion of the coupling member isconfigured to fit with the channel includes corresponding detentfeatures to mate with the plurality of detent features in the channel tohold the coupling member at one of the plurality of positions along thechannel.

In accordance with another feature, the extension of the coupling ringis movable along the track to hold the extension at a selected positionalong the track.

Although the invention is illustrated and described herein as embodiedin a digital dental x-ray sensor and system, it is, nevertheless, notintended to be limited to the details shown because variousmodifications and structural changes may be made therein withoutdeparting from the spirit of the invention and within the scope andrange of equivalents of the claims. Additionally, well-known elements ofexemplary embodiments of the invention will not be described in detailor will be omitted so as not to obscure the relevant details of theinvention.

Other features that are considered as characteristic for the inventionare set forth in the appended claims. As required, detailed embodimentsof the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to beunderstood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of theinvention, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specificstructural and functional details disclosed herein are not to beinterpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as arepresentative basis for teaching one of ordinary skill in the art tovariously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriatelydetailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are notintended to be limiting; but rather, to provide an understandabledescription of the invention. While the specification concludes withclaims defining the features of the invention that are regarded asnovel, it is believed that the invention will be better understood froma consideration of the following description in conjunction with thedrawing figures, in which like reference numerals are carried forward.The figures of the drawings are not drawn to scale.

Before the present invention is disclosed and described, it is to beunderstood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose ofdescribing particular embodiments only and is not intended to belimiting. The terms “a” or “an,” as used herein, are defined as one ormore than one. The term “plurality,” as used herein, is defined as twoor more than two. The term “another,” as used herein, is defined as atleast a second or more. The terms “including” and/or “having,” as usedherein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language). The term“coupled,” as used herein, is defined as connected, although notnecessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically. The term“providing” is defined herein in its broadest sense, e.g.,bringing/coming into physical existence, making available, and/orsupplying to someone or something, in whole or in multiple parts at onceor over a period of time.

“In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, unlessotherwise specified, azimuth or positional relationships indicated byterms such as “up”, “down”, “left”, “right”, “inside”, “outside”,“front”, “back”, “head”, “tail” and so on, are azimuth or positionalrelationships based on the drawings, which are only to facilitatedescription of the embodiments of the present invention and simplify thedescription, but not to indicate or imply that the devices or componentsmust have a specific azimuth, or be constructed or operated in thespecific azimuth, which thus cannot be understood as a limitation to theembodiments of the present invention. Furthermore, terms such as“first”, “second”, “third” and so on are only used for descriptivepurposes, and cannot be construed as indicating or implying relativeimportance.

As defined herein, the term “corner” refers to a point location on asurface where two or more planes of the surface meet. The term “edge”refers to a continuous line or curve along the meeting of two planes orfaces of a surface. Furthermore, an edge can be rounded, having a radiusof curvature of less than five millimeters and generally where twoplanes or faces of a surface meet at an angle of more than forty fivedegrees.

In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, itshould be noted that, unless otherwise clearly defined and limited,terms such as “installed”, “coupled”, “connected” should be broadlyinterpreted, for example, it may be fixedly connected, or may bedetachably connected, or integrally connected; it may be mechanicallyconnected, or may be electrically connected; it may be directlyconnected, or may be indirectly connected via an intermediate medium. Asused herein, the terms “about” or “approximately” apply to all numericvalues, whether or not explicitly indicated. These terms generally referto a range of numbers that one of skill in the art would considerequivalent to the recited values (i.e., having the same function orresult). In many instances these terms may include numbers that arerounded to the nearest significant figure. Those skilled in the art canunderstand the specific meanings of the above-mentioned terms in theembodiments of the present invention according to the specificcircumstances. Furthermore, it will be appreciated by those skilled inthe art that the features of the various embodiments shown in thevarious drawings can be combined among the embodiments shown in thedrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer toidentical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate viewsand which together with the detailed description below are incorporatedin and form part of the specification, serve to further illustratevarious embodiments and explain various principles and advantages all inaccordance with the present invention.

FIG. 1 is a digital x-ray sensor device having a rounded housing, inaccordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 2 is a side view of a patient having a dental x-ray taken whileusing a digital x-ray sensor device, in accordance with someembodiments;

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a digital x-ray sensor devicehaving a rounded housing for containing a conventional digital x-raysensor, in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 4 is a side elevational exploded view of a digital x-ray sensordevice having a rounded housing for containing a round digital x-raysensor, in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 5 is a front view of a round digital x-ray sensor, in accordancewith some embodiments;

FIG. 6 is a side perspective view of a portion of a rounded housing of adigital x-ray sensor device with an attachment feature for coupling to ahandle member, in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 7 is a front view of digital x-ray sensor device showing anattachment feature for coupling to a handle member, in accordance withsome embodiments;

FIG. 8 is a side view of an attachment feature on the rounded housing ofa digital x-ray sensor, in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 9 shows a side view of a coupling member for coupling a handlemember to an attachment feature of a digital x-ray sensor, in accordancewith some embodiments;

FIG. 10 shows a series of views from the front of a digital x-ray sensordevice illustrating how a coupling member can be moved to differentpositions in the attachment feature of the digital x-ray sensor device,in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 11 a series of views from the side of a digital x-ray sensor deviceillustrating how a coupling member can be moved to different positionsin the attachment feature of the digital x-ray sensor device, inaccordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 12 shows a handle member that is configured to couple to thecoupling member to couple to a digital sensor device, in accordance withsome embodiments;

FIG. 13 shows a front projection view of a coupling member is differentpositions relative to a digital x-ray sensor, in accordance with someembodiments;

FIG. 14 shows a front view of a patient using a digital x-ray sensor, inaccordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 15 shows a coupling ring for attaching a digital x-ray sensor to anx-ray source device, in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 16 shows a rounded housing of a digital x-ray sensor device in asemi-sphere configuration, in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 17 shows a rounded housing of a digital x-ray sensor device in adisk configuration, in accordance with some embodiments; and

FIG. 18 shows a cross sectional view of a rounded housing having across-shaped digital x-ray sensor, in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 19 shows a cross sectional view of a rounded housing having arectangular-shaped digital x-ray sensor, in accordance with someembodiments;

FIG. 20 shows a handle member that is configured to couple to thecoupling member to couple to a digital sensor device, in accordance withsome embodiments;

FIG. 21 shows a rounded housing of a digital x-ray sensor device in asemi-sphere configuration, having attachment features in variouslocations, in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 22 shows a block schematic diagram of a digital x-ray sensor devicehaving a wireless interface, in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 23 shows a system using a digital x-ray sensor device having awireless interface, in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 24 shows a digital x-ray sensor device having a wireless interfaceused on a stabilizing arm for aligning the digital x-ray sensor devicewith an x-ray source, in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 25 shows an alternate arrangement of a digital x-ray sensor devicehaving a swivel mount, in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 26 shows a detail of a digital x-ray sensor device as shown in FIG.25 ;

FIG. 27 shows a detail of the connection used with the digital x-raysensor device of FIG. 25 ;

FIG. 28 shows a schematic block diagram in which the circuitfunctionality of the digital x-ray sensor has been separated from thecommunication circuitry, in accordance with some embodiments;

FIGS. 29A-29B show exploded views of a digital x-ray sensor andcommunication module system, in accordance with some embodiments;

FIGS. 30A-30B show a support arm for coupling an attachment ring to adigital x-ray sensor system, in accordance with some embodiments; and

FIG. 31 shows an assembled structure for mounting a digital x-ray sensorsystem onto an x-ray emitter, in accordance with some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While the specification concludes with claims defining the features ofthe invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that theinvention will be better understood from a consideration of thefollowing description in conjunction with the drawing figures, in whichlike reference numerals are carried forward. It is to be understood thatthe disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, whichcan be embodied in various forms.

Embodiments of the present inventive disclosure provide a novel andefficient digital dental x-ray sensor device that is configured toalleviate the problems associated with conventional digital dental x-raysensors. In particular, embodiments provide a rounded housing that hasno corners, points, or edges that would cause pain in the soft tissue ofa patient's mouth. Furthermore, the rounded housing reduces triggering agag reflex in some patients who may otherwise be susceptible to gaggingwhen using conventional digital dental x-ray sensors. In addition, theinventive disclosure provides features for adjusting the attachmentlocation of the digital x-ray sensor device to a handle that can beconnected to an x-ray source in order to optimize the position of thedigital x-ray sensor in the patient's mouth for a given x-ray image.

FIG. 1 is a digital x-ray sensor device 100 having a rounded housing102, in accordance with some embodiments. The digital x-ray sensordevice 100 is a device used to produce dental x-ray images whileavoiding the problems associated with conventional, rectangular x-raysensors. The digital x-ray sensor device 100 is used by placing it inthe mouth of a patient, orienting it properly, and directing a beam ofx-ray emissions towards the digital x-ray sensor device 100. The digitalx-ray sensor device 100 produces a digital image of the patient's teeth,gums, and supporting bone in response to the x-ray emissions.

Many patients have experienced discomfort in using conventionalrectangular prismatic dental x-ray sensors due to the corners and edgesof these conventional sensors, which can result in discomfort rangingfrom mild pain to inducing a gag response or even vomiting. To reducethe discomfort experienced by patients, the digital x-ray sensor device100 includes a rounded housing 102, meaning the external surface of therounded housing 102 is rounded, and lacks corners, protrusions, or edgesthat could dig into the patient's soft tissue, particularly at the topand bottom of the rounded housing 102. Furthermore, the rounded housing102 lacks any regions where two planar faces meet to form an edge. Insome embodiments the rounded body can include one or more isolatedplanar faces 110 having a perimeter that meets rounded surfaces (e.g. aflat spot). In some embodiments, the rounded housing 102 can bespherical in shape, although not necessarily a perfect sphere. Therounded housing 102 can be an eccentric or irregular spheroid orellipsoid (e.g. egg-shaped), having a width or length that is longer orshorter than dimensions in other directions, or it can include externalsurface feature such as bulges or depressions in some places. In someembodiments the rounded housing can have a flattened face on theexternal surface that is aligned (e.g. parallel) to a plane of an x-rayimage sensor inside the digital x-ray sensor device 100. In someembodiments the rounded housing 102 can have a flat spot to prevent thedigital x-ray sensor device 100 from rolling when not in use and sittingon a surface. Although the rounded housing 102 can occupy more volume ina patient's mouth than a conventional rectangular prism shaped sensor,the rounded housing 102 eliminates any features that could dig into, orotherwise contact, the patent's soft tissue inside the patient's mouth,and cause the type of discomfort associated with the conventional x-raysensor form factors. In some embodiments the rounded housing can havefeatures with convex curves having a radius of not less than fivemillimeters over the majority of the external surface of the roundedhousing. Some features may be present in locations that will not beagainst the patient's soft tissue in their mouth that have a smallercurve radius.

The rounded housing 102 is provided with an attachment feature 104 toallow the rounded housing 102 to couple to a handle or support memberthat is used to properly align the digital x-ray sensor device 100 inthe patient's mouth. A cable 106 is connected to the internal circuitryof the digital x-ray sensor device 100 and allows transmission ofinstruction and information to and from the digital x-ray sensor device100, including the transmission of image data from the digital x-raysensor device 100 to an image rendering computer system. An externalindicia 108, such as a line or other indicia, can further be provided onan outside of the rounded housing 102 to indicate an orientation of thedigital x-ray sensor device 100, and specifically an orientation of theimage sensor housing inside the rounded housing 102 to allow thetechnician or clinician to properly orient the digital x-ray sensordevice 100 device with respect to the particular teeth being x-rayed. Insome embodiments the attachment feature can be located in front of theinternal image sensor housing within the rounded housing 102, meaningthe attachment feature 104 will be between the x-ray source and theinternal image sensor.

The attachment feature 104 can be a groove or channel formed in thesurface of the rounded housing 102 that is configured to receive acoupling member which has a portion that fits within, and is retainedby, the groove or channel. The attachment feature 104 can includestructure that allows the coupling member to be positioned at variouslocations in the attachment feature 104 to achieve slightly differentorientations of the digital x-ray sensor device 100 relative to thepatient's teeth and an x-ray emitter located outside the patient. Thus,the attachment feature 104 can be used to optimally align and positionthe digital x-ray sensor device 100 to produce x-ray images ofparticular desired views of the patient's dental environment.

FIG. 2 is a side view 200 of a patient 202 having a dental x-ray takenwhile using a digital x-ray sensor device 204, in accordance with someembodiments. The digital x-ray sensor device 204 is hidden from view asbeing inside the mouth of the patient 202, so the digital x-ray sensordevice 204 is represented here in broken line. The digital x-ray sensordevice 204 can be substantially similar to the digital x-ray sensordevice 100 of FIG. 1 . A technician can place the digital x-ray sensordevice 204 in the mouth of the patient 202 in a proper orientation incooperation with an external x-ray emitter source (not shown), as isknown. The data cable 206 connected to the digital x-ray sensor device204 passes out of the mouth of the patient 202 to an image renderingsystem.

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a digital x-ray sensor device300 having a rounded housing for containing a conventional rectangulardigital x-ray sensor 306, in accordance with some embodiments. Thehousing can be comprised of two halves, such as a first half 302 and asecond half 304. The housing portions 302, 304 can produce a sphere,ellipsoid, irregular sphere or ellipsoid, or other rounded shapes. Theconventional rectangular digital x-ray sensor 306 can be held inside thehousing portions 302, 304 in a bed 308 that is a physical arrangementthat supports and holds the rectangular digital x-ray sensor 306 inplace. In some embodiments, the bed 308 can include different beddingorientations to hold rectangular sensors of different sizes. The housingportions 302, 304 can couple together in a way that they are heldtogether (e.g. with retention features) but which allow a technician totake them apart for cleaning, and use with other rectangular x-raysensors. As in FIG. 1 , the housing portions 302, 304 can include anattachment feature 310 on an external surface that allows coupling to ahandle member. The conventional digital x-ray sensor 306 can be, forexample, the type that is presently in use, including a polymericexternal housing, or it can be a specially adapted housing including allof the sensor components and circuitry that could be used inconventional applications with a conventional housing.

FIG. 4 is a side elevational exploded view of a digital x-ray sensordevice 400 having a rounded housing for containing a circular digitalx-ray sensor, in accordance with some embodiments. The rounded housingcan be comprised of housing portions 402, 404 which provide a roundedexternal surface in the shape of a sphere or other rounded surface, asdescribed in reference to FIG. 1 . The housing portions 402, 404 can bepermanently, semi-permanently, or removably joined together, and providean attachment feature 416. The housing portions 402, 404 house a digitalx-ray sensor comprised of a stack of components that includes ascintillator 406, a fiber optic lensing array 408, a digital imagesensor 410, and a circuit board 412. In some embodiments an annularshock pad 414, made of a compressible resilient material, can beprovided as well to absorb mechanical shock experienced by the assembleddevice 400 to protect the other sensor components 406-412, which areshown in a perspective view detail 418.

The scintillator 406 is reactive to x-ray emissions and produces visiblelight in response, and in proportion to the intensity of the x-raysincident on the scintillator 406. Light produced by the scintillator 406is directed through a fiber optic lensing array 408 to an image sensor410. The lensing array 408 is comprised of segments of optical fiberplaced in parallel in the plane of the lensing array 408 to direct lightfrom the scintillator 406 to the image sensor 410, and to preventbleeding of light from one portion of the scintillator 406 to adjacentportions of the image sensor 410. The image sensor can be a CMOS imagesensor that converts light intensity to a digital value corresponding tothe light intensity at each of a plurality of pixel locations, as isknown. The circuit board 412 includes control and power circuitry todrive and operate the image sensor 410, and further includes datacommunication circuitry to transmit image data to a connected imagerendering system (e.g. a computer).

The scintillator 406 is at the front of the stack, meaning it is closestto the x-ray source in use, and defines a front plane that is to beoriented in the direction of the x-ray source. Accordingly, the x-raysemitted from the x-ray source, when the digital x-ray sensor iscorrectly oriented for use, travel approximately perpendicular to thefront plane of the scintillator 406.

In perspective detail 418, it can be seen that the sensor stackcomponents 406-414 are substantially circular, or otherwise having aperimeter that conforms to the shape of the internal cross section spaceof the housing portions 402, 404. This arrangement reduces the unusedarea that remains when using a rectangular sensor, as in FIG. 4 . With asubstantially circular sensor configuration, the angle at which thedigital x-ray sensor 400 is turned when placed in a patient's mouth isless relevant than with rectangular x-ray sensors.

FIG. 5 is a front view 500 of a round digital x-ray sensor 502, inaccordance with some embodiments. The round digital x-ray sensor 502 canbe used in rounded digital x-ray sensor devices such as those shown inFIGS. 1 and 4 . The x-ray sensor 500 can include all of the components406-412 of FIG. 4 . One advantage of the round/circular configuration isthat the area of the circle maximizes the image area while also makingit less crucial to have the top and bottom of the sensor aligned withthe direction of the patient's teeth. For comparison, a rectangularx-ray sensor of a conventional size is projected over the circular x-raysensor 502 in outline 504. The rectangular x-ray sensor projection 504has a width dimension 506 that is equivalent to the diameter of thecircular x-ray sensor 502, and a height dimension 508 that is only aportion of the height/diameter 510 of the circular x-ray sensor 502.However, the height 510 of the circular x-ray sensor 502 is also equalto its diameter, providing more image area above and below therectangular projection, which can be regions of interest in dentalx-rays. The corner regions of the rectangular projection 504 falloutside of the circular area of the circular x-ray sensor, but it is nottypical to have image content of interest in these corner regions usingconventional rectangular x-ray sensors.

FIGS. 6-8 show various view of a rounded housing for a digital x-raysensor device, specifically showing detail of the attachment feature.FIG. 6 shows a side perspective view of a portion of a rounded housingof a digital x-ray sensor device; FIG. 7 shows a front view of digitalx-ray sensor device; and FIG. 8 shows a side cut-away view of anattachment feature, looking along the channel of the attachment feature,on the rounded housing of a digital x-ray sensor.

A portion 600 of a rounded housing of a digital x-ray sensor includes anexternal surface 602 in which an attachment feature 604 is formed. Aswill be appreciated by those skilled in the art, there are numerousequivalent structures that can be used to couple a handle member to therounded housing. In one example of an attachment feature 604, a channelor groove 700 is formed in the external surface 602. The channel 700 caninclude overhang or shoulder portions 702, 704 on either side of thechannel 700 that capture a portion of a coupling member in the channel700. The shoulder portions 702, 704 can have detent features 706, 708 atpositions along the channel 700 to hold the coupling member at thosepositions, while also allowing the coupling member to be moved todifferent positions in the channel 700. The distance between the bottomof the shoulder portions 702, 704, in the channel 700, and the externalsurface of the housing 602 can be constant and follow the curve of theexternal surface over the shoulder portions 702, 704, or it can bestraight through the housing, having a varying distance between thebottom of the shoulder portions 702, 704 and the external surface 602,However, the distance between the bottom of the shoulder portions 702,704 and the bottom the channel 700 will be substantially constant alongthe channel to accommodate the base of the coupling member that isplaced in the channel 700.

The detent features 706, 708 can be depressions formed in the bottom ofthe shoulder portions 702, 704 in some embodiments that correspond withcomplementary detent features in the coupling member. In someembodiments different detent features may be equivalently used. In someembodiments there can be detents corresponding to several positionsalong the channel 700 to accommodate different mouth shapes. Forexample, in some embodiments there can be five positions including atop, middle top, middle, middle bottom, and bottom. This allows thetechnician/clinician to adjust the position of the digital x-ray sensordevice so that it sits comfortably in the patient's mouth while stillbeing able to orient the digital x-ray sensor device to obtain thedesired x-ray image.

FIG. 9 shows a side view of a coupling member 900 for coupling a handlemember to an attachment feature of a digital x-ray sensor, in accordancewith some embodiments. The coupling member 900 can be used inconjunction with the attachment feature of FIGS. 6-8 , for example. Thecoupling member 900 includes a base portion 902 that is configured to becaptured in channel 700, under shoulders 702, 704. A shaft portion 906is configured to extend upwards from the base portion 902 betweenshoulders 702, 704, with detent features 908, 910 being configured tomate with detent features 706, 708. On top of the shaft portion is aball-shaped head 904 that is configured to mate with a handle member isa ball and socket coupling arrangement.

FIG. 10 shows a series of views from the front of a digital x-ray sensordevice illustrating how a coupling member 1004 can be moved to differentpositions in the attachment feature 1002 of the digital x-ray sensordevice, in accordance with some embodiments. The attachment feature 1002is shown with a the head of a coupling member 1004 in three differentexemplary positions 1006, 1008, 1010 which correspond to differentdetent locations. The attachment feature 1002 and the coupling member1004 can be substantially similar to attachment feature 604 of FIGS. 6-8and coupling member 900 of FIG. 9 , respectively. Position 1006 showsthe coupling member 1004 closer to a first end of the attachment feature1002. Position 1008 shows the coupling member 1004 in the middle of theattachment feature 1002. Position 1010 shows the coupling member 1004near a second end of the attachment feature 1002. A technician canselect any of the available positions provided on an attachment featureto optimize the orientation and position of the digital x-ray sensordevice in the patient's mouth for producing an x-ray image.

FIG. 11 a series of views 1102, 1104, 1106 from the side of a digitalx-ray sensor device 1110 illustrating how a coupling member 1108 can bemoved to different positions in the attachment feature of the digitalx-ray sensor device, in accordance with some embodiments. The views1102, 1104, 1106 can correspond to positions 1006, 1008, 1010,respectively, of FIG. 10 . The digital x-ray sensor device 1110 includesa rounded housing, and can be designed substantially in accordance withthe digital x-ray sensor device of FIG. 1 , for example. FIG. 13 showsthe effect of moving the coupling member to different locations in theattachment feature of the digital x-ray sensor device in two views 1300,1302. In both views 1300, 1302 the front of a circular x-ray sensor 1304(in broken line) is facing the outwards from the page, and the viewer'sperspective is from approximately the location of an x-ray source thatwould be used with the digital x-ray sensor 1304. In view 1300 thecoupling member 1306 is centered over the front of the circular x-raysensor 1304, corresponding with 1008 and 1104 of FIGS. 10 and 11 ,respectively. In this position the circular image sensor 1304 is equallyabove and below the point where the patient's upper and lower teethmeet. In view 1302 the coupling member 1304 is moved to the side, asindicated by arrow 1310, resulting in a larger portion of the circulardigital x-ray sensor being positioned to the left of the coupling member1306. This position can be used, for example, when imaging the molarteeth of the patient. Thus, the attachment point, at the couplingmember, can be used to adjust the position of the digital x-ray sensorin a given patient's mouth, for a particular x-ray image, and make itmore comfortable for the patient.

FIG. 12 shows a handle member 1206 that is configured to couple to thecoupling member 1204 to couple to a digital x-ray sensor device 1202, inaccordance with some embodiments. The handle member 1206 includes anengaging feature at an end 1208 for connecting to the coupling member1204, such as a socket 1210 formed inside the end 1208 that isconfigured to retain the ball or head portion of the coupling member1204 in the socket 1210. The socket 1201 is a hollow region in thematerial of the ends 1208 that can be a flexible resilient material,allowing the head of the coupling member 1204 to be inserted and removedfrom the socket 1210. The socket 1210 is formed such that its openinghas a diameter that is slightly smaller than a diameter of the head ofthe coupling member 1204 to capture the head of the coupling member 1204in the socket 1210, and allow for some movement/rotation of the head ofthe coupling member 1204 in the socket 1210. In some embodiments, thesocket 1210 can include a slot cut on a side of the socket to allow theshaft on which the coupling member 1204 is located to pass into theslot, allowing for arm of the handle 1206 on which the socket is locatedto be positioned at a greater angle relative to the coupling member1204. The portion of the handle 1206 including the socket 1210 can bejoined to second portion 1214 at a hinge or joint 1212. The secondportion 1214 can be coupled to an alignment structure that attaches tothe x-ray source device to ensure that the x-ray source is positionedcorrectly with respect to the digital x-ray sensor.

FIG. 20 shows a handle member 2006 that is configured to couple to thecoupling member 2004 to couple to a digital x-ray sensor device 2002, inaccordance with some embodiments, using an angled handle member 2006,that has a bend, such as at an elbow 2016. The elbow 2016 bends tocreate an offset 2018 form the second portion 2014. The offset 2018 canhave a distance selected for a desired alignment of the digital x-raysensor 2002 in a patient's mouth. As in the embodiment of FIG. 12 , thehandle member 2006 includes an engaging feature at an end 2008 forconnecting to the coupling member 2004, such as a socket 2010 formedinside the end 2008 that is configured to retain the ball or headportion of the coupling member 2004 in the socket 2010. The socket 2010is a hollow region in the material of the end 2008 that can be aflexible resilient material, allowing the head of the coupling member2004 to be inserted and removed from the socket 2010. The socket 2010 isformed such that its opening has a diameter that is slightly smallerthan a diameter of the head of the coupling member 2004 to capture thehead of the coupling member 2004 in the socket 2010, and allow for somemovement/rotation of the head of the coupling member 2004 in the socket2010. In some embodiments, the socket 2010 can include a slot cut on aside of the socket to allow the shaft on which the coupling member 2004is located to pass into the slot, allowing for arm of the handle 2006 onwhich the socket is located to be positioned at a greater angle relativeto the coupling member 2004. The portion of the handle 2006 includingthe socket 2010 can be joined to second portion 2014 at a hinge or joint2012. The second portion 2014 can be coupled to an alignment structurethat attaches to the x-ray source device to ensure that the x-ray sourceis positioned correctly with respect to the digital x-ray sensor.

FIG. 14 shows a front view 1400 of a patient 1402 using a digital x-raysensor 1404, in accordance with some embodiments, including a handlemember 1410 coupled to an alignment structure 1408 that is furtherattached to the emitter of an x-ray source 1406. A handle member 1410such as that shown in FIG. 12 can be coupled to a digital x-ray sensor1404 that is placed in the mouth of the patient 1402. The handle member1410, being further attached to the alignment structure 1408, whichaligns the direction of the x-rays emitted by the x-ray source 1406towards the x-ray sensor in the digital x-ray sensor 1404. The alignmentstructure 1408 can include a coupling ring that encircles the emitterhousing, as is known.

FIG. 15 shows a coupling ring 1500 for attaching a digital x-ray sensorto an x-ray source device, in accordance with some embodiments. Thecoupling ring 1502 is sized to go over the cylindrical emitter of anx-ray source, such as x-ray source 1406 of FIG. 14 . The handle memberattaches to an extension 1504 that extends outward from the couplingring 1502 in a track that allows the extension 1504 to move in thetrack, as indicated by arrow 1506, for example. This allows the positionof the attachment point of the handle to the coupling ring 1502 to beadjusted by the technician to allow optimum positioning of the x-raysource and the x-ray sensor device. In conventional devices, thecoupling ring 1502 includes multiple, separate attachment points, whichrequire the technician to remove the handle, and attach it to adifferent position when re-positioning the system for a different x-rayimage. By providing the extension 1504 that is moveable in a track 1506on the coupling ring 1502, the handle does not need to be disconnectedfrom the coupling ring 1502 to reposition the handle with respect to thecoupling ring 1502.

FIG. 16 shows a rounded, semi-spherically configured housing 1600 of adigital x-ray sensor device in a semi-sphere configuration, inaccordance with some embodiments. The semi-spherically configuredhousing 1600 includes a rounded, semi- or hemi-spherical portion 1602and a flat surface 1602 that is a face formed along a plane through asphere consistent with the semi-spherical portion 1604. That is, if thesemi-spherical portion were extended to a full sphere, the flat surface1602 passes through that sphere. The semi-spherically configured housing1600 can further include a shoulder 1606 between the flat surface 1602and the semi-spherical portion 1604 that extends around, or partiallyaround the semi-spherically configured housing, adjacent to, and aroundthe periphery of the flat surface. A handle attachment feature 1608 canbe formed on an external portion of the semi-spherically configuredhousing, and a cable or wire assembly 1610 can connect to circuitryinside the semi-spherically configured housing 1600. The handleattachment feature 1608 can be formed substantially similar to thehandle attachment features shown in FIGS. 6-12 . In some embodiments acircular digital x-ray sensor 1612 can be housed inside thesemi-spherically configured housing 1600, and the circular digital x-raysensor 1612 can define a plane that is parallel with a plane of the flatsurface 1602. Equivalently, the rounded housing can, instead of asemi-spherical configuration, be provided in a semi-ovoid configuration,and the flat surface 1602, rather than being circular, can beelliptically shaped or oval shaped. In some embodiments the roundedhousing can be semi-spherically configured, and the flat surface 1602can be elliptical or oval shaped. The semi-spherically configuredhousing 1600 can include the wire assembly 610 or cable attachment, orit can include a wireless radio transceiver and other circuitry asshown, for example, in FIG. 22 .

FIG. 17 shows a rounded housing 1700 of a digital x-ray sensor device ina disk configuration, in accordance with some embodiments. The roundedhousing 1700 here is shaped like a disk, having opposing flat surfacessuch as surface 1702, and a wall 1704 around the rounded housing 1700.As shown, the rounded housing is a cylindrical shape having a heightthat is substantially smaller than its diameter. The flat surfaces (e.g.1702) can be circular or elliptical or oval. The wall 1704 can be flatin a direction perpendicular to the flat surfaces as shown in side view1712, or it can be rounded as shown in side view 1714. A handleattachment feature 1706 can be formed on the wall 1704, or on one of theopposite flat surfaces (e.g. 1702). The handle attachment feature 1706can be formed substantially similar to the handle attachment featuresshown in FIGS. 6-12 . A cable or wire assembly 1708 can carry signalsfrom the digital x-ray sensor housed inside of the rounded housing 1700to image processing and display equipment.

FIG. 18 shows a cross sectional view of a rounded housing 1800 having across-shaped digital x-ray sensor 1804, in accordance with someembodiments. The cross-shaped digital x-ray sensor 1804 can have acentral portion 1806 that is square or rectangular, with square orrectangular extensions 1808 at each side of the central portion 1806.The cross-shaped digital x-ray sensor is positioned within roundedhousing 1800 within a wall 1802 of the rounded housing 1800, and can beused as an alternative to a circular digital x-ray sensor. Where thewall 1802 can vary in shape from circular, elliptical, or oval, theheight 1810 and width 1812 can likewise vary to fit within the wall1802.

FIG. 19 shows a cross sectional view of a rounded housing 1900 having arectangular-shaped digital x-ray sensor 1904, in accordance with someembodiments. The rectangular-shaped digital x-ray sensor 1904 cane varyin height 1906 and width 1908 with a cross section shape of wall 1902 ofthe rounded housing 1900. That is, the rounded housing can be spherical,semi-spherical, ellipsoid, or ovoid shaped, and the height 1906 andwidth 1908 of the rectangular-shaped digital x-ray sensor can beconfigured accordingly.

FIG. 21 shows a rounded housing 2102 of a digital x-ray sensor device2100 in a semi-sphere configuration, having attachment features invarious locations. The housing 2102 includes a rounded semi-sphereportion 2104 and a generally flat side 2106 that is substantiallycircular. Several attachment slots 2110, 2112 are located on the flatface 2106. The flat slots 2110, 2112 provide both a mechanical supportattachment, and an electrical signal connection. That is, disposedinside the housing at each of the attachment slots 2110, 2112 is anelectrical connector to the sensor circuitry inside the rounded housing2102. The different locations of the attachment slots 2110, 2112 allowattachment of a support and connector arm assembly at the differentpositions, which allow the digital x-ray sensor device 2100 to be incorresponding different orientations in the mouth of a patient. Afurther attachment slot 2108 on the face of the rounded semi-sphereportion 2104 can also be a mechanical and electrical connection supportattachment feature to orient the digital x-ray sensor device 2100 isstill another orientation.

FIG. 22 shows a block schematic diagram of a digital x-ray sensor device2100 having a wireless interface, in accordance with some embodiments.The digital x-ray sensor device 2100 includes an x-ray image sensor 2202that responds to x-ray emissions and produces an image data structure.The processor 2204 controls operation of the x-ray image sensor 2202,and acquires the image data from the x-ray image sensor 2202. The datacan be stored in a memory 2206, which can also be used to storeinstruction code that is executed by the processor 2204 to performvarious operations. The processor 2204 can send provide the data to aradio transceiver 2208 to transmit the data to another entity, such as acomputer in the dental office. The radio transceiver can be, forexample, a transceiver operated in accordance with a local or personalarea wireless networking protocol, such as those defined byspecification 802.11 of the Institute of Electronics and ElectricalEngineers. The standards included in specification 802.11 includes thoseknown commercially as WIFI, BLUETOOTH, ZIGBEE, and others. The radiotransceiver 2208 is operated according to a known wireless interface fortransmitting data and control information. The circuitry is powered byan on-board rechargeable battery 2210. A charge control circuit 2212 maybe used to supervise charging operations of the battery 2210, and aconnector 2108 can be used to provide a connection for providing powerto the battery 2210.

FIG. 23 shows a system using a digital x-ray sensor device 2100 having awireless interface 2304, in accordance with some embodiments. A computer2302 or computing device can have a wireless transceiver similar to thatof radio transceiver 2208 in the digital x-ray sensor device 2100 whichallows the computer 2302 to communication with the digital x-ray sensordevice 2100 using the wireless interface 2304. The computer 2302 canacquire image data from the digital x-ray sensor device 2100 and use theimage data to render an image on a display 2306. The computer 2302 canbe operated with software that causes the computer 2302 to interact withthe digital x-ray sensor device 2100. The computer can be furthercoupled to an x-ray source 2308 in order to control the emission ofx-rays onto the digital x-ray sensor device 2100.

FIG. 24 shows a digital x-ray sensor device 2100 having a wirelessinterface used on a stabilizing arm 2404 for aligning the digital x-raysensor device 2100 with an x-ray source (e.g. 2308, in accordance withsome embodiments. The stabilizing arm 2404 has, at one end, andconnector 2402 that interfaces with the attachment slot 2110 in thisview, and which is hidden by the connector 2402 here. The connector 2402includes a portion that is inserted into the attachment slot 2110 tohold the digital x-ray sensor device 2100 in a particular orientationfor obtaining x-ray images of certain teeth. Attachment slot 2108 can beused (connected to) by the connector 2402 for a different orientation ofthe digital x-ray sensor device 2100. To achieve different orientations,the stabilizing arm 2404 is bent at a right angle at an elbow 2408 sothat the distal end 2412 of the stabilizing arm 2404 extends away fromthe digital x-ray sensor device 2100 at an offset so that the proximateportion 2410 of the stabilizing arm 2404 can extend from the patient'smouth. A mounting ring 2406 is coupled to the distal end 2412 of thestabilizing arm 2404, and is configured to fit onto the x-ray guide ofthe x-ray source, as is known. The mounting ring is offset from thedistal end 2412 of the stabilizing arm 2404 by the same amount of offsetprovided by the proximate portion 210 of the stabilizing arm 2404 sothat the x-ray source is aligned with the x-ray image sensor in thedigital x-ray sensor device 2100. In some embodiments, the circuitfunctionality shown in FIG. 22 can be separated and distributed suchthat

FIG. 25 shows an alternate arrangement of using a digital x-ray sensordevice 2502, in accordance with some embodiments. The digital x-raysensor device 2502 is similar to the that shown in FIG. 22 , but has arectangular housing and, rather than use attachment slots, uses aswiveling attachment provided by swivel connector 2504. The swivelconnector 2504 is coupled to, and supported by the stabilizing arm 2506,and holds the digital x-ray sensor 2502 in alignment with the x-raysource in cooperation with mounting ring 2508.

FIGS. 26 and 27 show a detail views of the digital x-ray sensor device2502 as shown in FIG. 25 . The swivel connector 2504 can attachmagnetically to the digital x-ray sensor device 2502, which is able toswivel about the connection point, allowing an operator to adjust theorientation of the digital x-ray sensor device 2502 in the patient'smouth as desired. A magnetic interface using magnetic components 2702and 2704, which are oppositely polarized, are attracted to similarelements on the swivel connector 2504 with corresponding polarities toalign the elements together. The extension 2706 of the swivel connectorcan then attach to the stabilizing arm 2506.

FIG. 28 shows a schematic block diagram in which the circuitfunctionality of the digital x-ray sensor has been separated from thecommunication circuitry, in accordance with some embodiments.Specifically, the x-ray image sensor circuit 2802 can be in a housing2803, such as housings 102, 302/304, 402/404, 600, 1600, 1700, 1800,1900, 2102, or device 2502. The communication module 2800 is connectedto the housing 2803, and electrically to the x-ray image sensor 2802,through a connector 2805. The connector 2805 can include themechanically interfacing elements that allow electrical signals andpower to flow between the x-ray image sensor 2802 and the communicationsmodule 2800, as well as supporting structures. The communication module2800 can include radio transceiver circuitry 2808 that is operated by aprocessor 2804. The radio transceiver circuitry 2808 can be configuredto operate according to any of the well-known wireless networkingstandards, including protocols such as WiFi, BLUETOOTH, or other similarprotocols. The processor 2804 can be interfaced with memory 2806 whichcan include non-volatile memory for storing instruction code, as well as“scratch pad” memory such as RANI for using while executing instructioncode, including storing data structures such as variables, arrays, imagedata, and the like. In general, the processor receives image data fromthe x-ray sensor circuitry 2802 and then transmits the image data to awirelessly linked computing device, substantially as shown in FIG. 23 .A battery 2810 can power the other components in the communicationsmodule 2800 and the x-ray image sensor circuitry 2802. A charge controlcircuit 2812 can control power through an external connector or chargeport 2814 to ensure the battery 2810 is properly charged.

The communications module 2800 can be implemented in a housing that isseparate from the housing 2803 for the x-ray image sensor circuitry2802. For example, the communication module 2800 can be housed inconnector 2402, in stabilizing arm 2404, or even in mounting ring 2406of FIG. 24 , or any other structure that is connected to the housing2803 and x-ray image sensor circuitry 2802. If the communications module2800 is implemented in the support arm 2406, then the connector 2805 caninclude, for example, connector 2402, or swivel connector 2504. If thecommunications module 2800 is implemented in the mounting ring 2406, oranother structure connected to the support arm 2404, then the supportarm 2404 would be included as part of the structure of connector 2805.Thus, the wireless communications module 2800 eliminates the need forwires or cables running between the x-ray image sensor device and thecomputer used to view image data produced by the x-ray image sensordevice.

FIGS. 29A-29B show opposing exploded views of a digital x-ray sensor andcommunication module system 2900, in accordance with some embodiments. Adigital x-ray sensor device 2902 includes a digital x-ray sensor andsupport circuitry to produce images in response to being irradiated withx-rays. The digital x-ray sensor device 2902 includes a port 2904 on theback side of the digital x-ray sensor device 2902 in which there is anelectrical connector 2906. A communications module 2908 connects to thedigital x-ray sensor 2902 at the port 2904, and has a correspondingelectrical connector 2924 on a connecting portion 2922 of thecommunications module 2908. The communications module 2908 containscircuitry substantially the same as that of communications module 2800of FIG. 28 , including a radio transceiver, battery, charge controller,and processor. The radio transceiver in the communications module 2908can operate according to a wireless networking protocol, such as WiFi,BLUETOOTH, ZIGBEE, and so on, to wirelessly network and communicate withanother device (e.g. computer 2302). The communications module 2908further includes a charging/data port 2912 that can receive a powersource connector to charge the battery contained in the communicationsmodule 2908, or the communications module 2908 can include an inductivepower coil so that the battery can be charged wirelessly usinginductance. A cover 2914 can fit into the charging/data port 2912 whenthe battery is not being charged. A mounting connector 2918 connects tothe communications module 2908 and allows the communications module 2908and digital x-ray sensor device 2902 to rotate together with respect tothe mounting connector 2918, while being held by the mounting connector2918. The mounting connector 2918 can fit over a mounting boss 2916 ofthe communications module 2908, and has an extension 2920 for connectingto the mounting arm 3000 of FIGS. 30A-30B. Once attached to the mountingboss 2916, the communications module 2908 is retained in the mountingconnector 2918, but also able to rotate within the mounting connector2918. Further, as shown here, the communications module 2908 is shownhaving a round body, exclusive of the mounting boss 2916, but the bodyand the connecting portion 2922 can have other shapes (e.g. square,rectangular, triangular, trapezoid, etc.). Further, it will beunderstood that the digital x-ray sensor device 2902 can likewise haveother shapes besides the rectangular/parallelepiped shape shown here.The communications module 2908 can be removed from the digital x-raysensor device 2902 and attached to other digital x-ray sensor deviceshaving different form factors for different applications. In someembodiments the communications module 2908 can be more permanentlyattached to the digital x-ray sensor device 2902.

FIGS. 30A-30B show a support arm 3000 for coupling an attachment ring3100 to a digital x-ray sensor system 2900, in accordance with someembodiments. The support arm 3000 can be substantially as shown in FIGS.24-25 (e.g. 2404), and is generally “L” shaped having a long section3002 and a short section 3004 that is at a substantial angle to anelongated direction of the long section 3002. At a tip if the shortsection 3004 can be an hinged connecting member 3008 that can move, atone end, about a hinge 3006, and which is configured to connect to theextension 2920 of the mounting connector 2918. Once the connectingmember 3008 is connected to the extension 2920 the digital x-ray sensordevice 2902 can be oriented as desired to capture a dental image. Thehinge 3006 allows the connecting member 3008 to move, but withresistance so that when moved it will tend to stay in the position towhich it has been moved.

FIG. 31 shows an assembled structure for mounting a digital x-ray sensorsystem 2900 onto an x-ray emitter, in accordance with some embodiments.The long section 3002 of the support arm 3000 is connected to a mountingring 3100. The mounting ring 3100 has an extension 3102 that terminatesin a slide-over connector 3104 that fits over the support arm 3000. Theslide over connector 3104 allows the length between the mounting ring3100 and the digital x-ray sensor device 2900 to be adjusted by theuser. The mounting ring 3100 is sized to fit over and be retained on thecylindrical emitter of a x-ray emitter. The digital x-ray sensor device2900 can rotate while connected to the mounting connector 2918 asindicated by arrow 3108. Thus, the user can adjust the position andorientation of the digital x-ray sensor device 2900 with respect to thex-ray emitter to capture dental images from a wide variety of angles andorientations. Once a dental image is captured by the digital x-raysensor device 2900, the image data can be transferred to thecommunications module 2908 through connectors 2906, 2924, and thentransmitted by the communications module 2908 to a computing device forrendering and storage. A bite block 3012 can be attached to the supportarm 3000 so that a patient can bite down on the bite block, as is known.

A digital x-ray sensor device has been disclosed that houses a digitalx-ray sensor in a rounded housing. The rounded housing can bespherically or ellipsoid shaped, generally, but can also includeirregular portions so as not to be perfectly spherical or ellipsoid. Therounded housing lacks harsh corners, protrusion, and edges by having aminimum radius for curvature of the external surface of the roundedhousing. The minimum radius can be selected to match an average radiusof the curvatures of inside the mouths of people. Thus, the roundedhousing provides the benefit of comfort when the digital x-ray sensor ifplaced in the patient's mouth compared to prior art devices that havecorners and edges that cause discomfort (or worse). In some embodimentsthe rounded housing can house a conventional rectangular x-ray sensor,allowing the use of legacy x-ray sensors without the discomfortassociated with their use. In some embodiments the rounded housing canhouse a similarly round or circularly configured x-ray sensor thatmaximizes the available cross sectional area within the rounded housingfor x-ray images. The rounded housing further includes an attachmentfeature that allows coupling the rounded housing to a handle member forfurther coupling the digital x-ray sensor to an x-ray source, andensuring a proper alignment and orientation between the x-ray source andthe digital x-ray sensor to produce a particular x-ray image.

What is claimed is:
 1. A dental x-ray sensor device system, comprising: a sensor housing configured fit in a patient's mouth, and which contains a digital x-ray sensor, wherein the sensor housing includes a port having an electrical connector in the port; a battery powered communications module support arm having a connecting portion configured to fit into the port, the connecting portion having an electrical connector that corresponds to the electrical connector in the port, a mounting boss formed on the battery powered communications module; a mounting connector configured to mount on the mounting boss and be retained on the mounting boss while also being able to rotate around the mounting boss, the mounting connector having an extension; and a support arm configured to connect to the extension of the mounting connector.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the second end of the support arm comprises a mounting ring that is sized to fit on the head of the x-ray emitter.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the battery powered communication module is round.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the sensor housing is rounded, the system further comprising a circular digital x-ray sensor contained in the rounded housing, and wherein the circular digital x-ray sensor conforms to an internal cross section of the rounded housing.
 5. The system of claim 4, wherein the rounded housing comprises an indicia that indicates an orientation of the digital x-ray sensor inside a rounded housing.
 6. A digital dental x-ray sensor device system, comprising: a sensor housing having an external surface, the sensor housing being configured to fit within a person's mouth with the person's mouth substantially closed, wherein the sensor housing comprises a flat face that corresponds to a plane of an digital x-ray sensor mounted in the sensor housing, the sensor housing including a port having an electrical connector disposed in the port; a wireless communications module that receives image data from the digital x-ray sensor and transmits the image data using a wireless networking protocol, the wireless communications module having a connecting portion configured to fit into the port, the connection portion having an electrical connector that corresponds to the electrical connector in the port, a mounting boss formed on the battery powered communications module; a mounting connector configured to mount on the mounting boss and be retained on the mounting boss while also being able to rotate around the mounting boss, the mounting connector having an extension; and a support arm configured to attach to the extension of the mounting connector at a first end of the support arm, and wherein the support is further having a mounting ring at a second end of the support arm that is configured to fit on a head of an X-ray emitter, and wherein the communications module is housed in within the mounting ring.
 7. The digital dental x-ray sensor device system of claim 6, wherein the sensor housing is a rounded sensor housing.
 8. The digital dental x-ray sensor device system of claim 7, wherein the rounded sensor housing is a spherical housing having at least one flat portion.
 9. The digital dental x-ray sensor device system of claim 6, wherein the sensor housing is rectangular housing.
 10. The digital dental x-ray sensor device system of claim of claim 6, wherein the sensor housing comprises at least one flat spot.
 11. The digital dental x-ray sensor device system of claim 6, wherein the digital X-ray sensor has a circular shape. 